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Europe 2011: Why Now is the Year to Go

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Editor’s note: Europe cruising has changed tremendously in the past few years.  Cruise lines are moving large new ships such as Norwegian Epic, Carnival Magic and Independence of the Seas there, which means even more European cruise choices. Our regular contributor Aaron Saunders tells you why 2011 is the year to go! This article originally ran on Aaron’s blog, From the Deck Chair, on Feb 17th, 2011 and has been republished here with his permission. Enjoy!

Europe is a destination of intrigue and wonder. Here, Silversea's Silver Cloud passes under London's famous Tower Bridge. Photo courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Europe is a destination that just seems to get more popular with each passing year.  And with good reason: there’s more history, natural beauty, culinary delights, and fine people packed into this one area of the world than you can shake a stick at.  Are you a history lover?  The Acropolis at Athens, the Colosseum in Rome, or the Tower of London might be up your alley.  Then there’s the natural beauty of Europe.  The majesty of the Norwegian Fjords is a tough act to follow, along with the semi-sunken splendor of Venice and the whitewashed beauty of the Greek Islands like Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini.

The impressive Cathedral in Winchester, England - just a short drive from the popular embarkation port of Southampton. Photo © Aaron Saunders

If you ask any North American about Europe, chances are they’ll gush about it if they’ve been over there. Those who haven’t been may not see the benefit to being crammed in economy class for ten to twelve hours.  But take it from this traveler – Europe is a destination worth exploring regardless of how many hours, connections, or flights it takes – it is a magical, incredible journey.

And the best year to travel to Europe may be this very one.  Here’s why:

Variety
Northern European and Mediterranean voyages have never been more popular, and as a result nearly every line has increased their capacity in Europe for 2011.  The result is a win-win for passengers and cruise lines alike, and means that there is no shortage of itineraries to suit every taste and budget.  From ultra-affordable six and seven day Mediterranean cruises to longer 14-day British Isles voyages, there’s sure to be something for everyone this year.  

Year-Round Voyages
Once upon a time, the European cruise season was largely relegated to the months between April and October, but no longer.  In addition to Europe-based lines like Fred. Olsen and MSC Cruises, more North American lines are getting in on the act, withRoyal Caribbean and NCL basing ships on the continent year-round.  Some lines, likePrincess and Holland America have such lengthy European seasons that finding a getaway in late November or early December isn’t out of the question.

Reasonable Exchange Rates
European currencies like the Pound Sterling and the Euro continue to equalize relative to the US and Canadian dollars, and are at very reasonable rates compared to even four or five years ago.  With the former exchange rate, a hotel stay in London could be prohibitively expensive.  In 2011, that same hotel stay is dramatically more affordable.

Bonus Incentives
While there’s no denying airfare costs to Europe can be a stumbling block, many upscale cruise lines are offering free roundtrip economy-class airfare from a number of North American gateways.  While these voyages may carry a higher up-front cost, do the math: if the seemingly less-expensive cruise requires a greater cost in airfare, it may make sense to upgrade to a line that does offer a free air package.  In many cases, not only will it make financial sense, but travel sense too: many upscale lines include additional amenities like complimentary beverages, gratuities included in your cruise fare, and upgraded staterooms, cuisine and service.

Historic Bryggen lines the waterfront in Bergen, Norway. Photo © Aaron Saunders

The bottom line?  You can’t go wrong with a European cruise.  Trust us.

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Posted in cruise travel, cruises, Europe, Mediterranean, travel | No Comments »

Solo Cruising: What You Need to Know

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Editor’s note: Just today, a Twitter follower tweeted this to us: “..love cruising but I don’t like going solo”.  I think there is a negative perception about cruising or traveling solo. In today’s guest post, Aaron Saunders, explains why solo cruising may not be as scary as you may think..and breaks down everything you need to know before you sail solo.  This article originally ran on Aaron’s blog, From the Deck Chair, on Feb 13th, 2011 and has been republished here with his permission. Enjoy!

Will that be champagne for one or two? Photo © Aaron Saunders

Chances are, it’s going to happen to all of us at some point in our cruising “career” – the one voyage where a significant other, family member, or friend isn’t available to cruise with you.  What’s a cruiseaholic to do?

Keep going – solo, that is.

Cruising alone isn’t as scary as it might sound.  After all, you’re on a cruise ship with a few hundred or thousand other guests, some of whom are undoubtedly sailing solo as well.  Even then, most people aboard any ship are there to meet new friends and enjoy themselves, and with cruise lines like NCL, P&O, and Royal Caribbean building solo-occupancy staterooms again, there has never been a better time to set off on your own.

I have taken five solo cruises: four with Holland America Line, and one with Royal Caribbean.  I can’t say one really does it better than the other; it just depends on your personal tastes.  Do I miss my fiancee?  Of course!  But there are certain voyages she has no desire to go on, and I respect that.  Trust me, you never want to force your significant other or friend into a voyage they don’t want – it’s a recipe for trouble.

But before you do sail solo, here’s some things to keep in mind.

Solo and Single are Two Different Things
Contrary to what you might think, people sailing solo aren’t necessarily all single.  This isn’t The Love Boat, after all!  But regardless of relationship status, solo cruisers are looking to mingle and meet new friends, and cruises provide a unique opportunity to do so.  The best way to do this is to involve yourself in activities that encourage team participation.  Trivia, scavenger hunts, lectures, Name that Tune – all good activities to meet people on a regular basis, since many cruises include these events daily.  There are also usually solo cruiser “mixers” in the evening (Holland America in particular does a great job of these.)

Beware the Single Occupancy Rate
Because – very technically – you’re depriving the cruise line of the additional revenue by occupying a stateroom meant for two people, most lines will charge a single supplement.  This can range anywhere from 110% of the per-person cruise fare all the way to 200% – the same amount as you would have paid had you sailed with someone else.  But don’t despair!  Many lines usually offer discounted single supplements on select sailings.  Supplements also tend to be higher for Veranda and Suite categories than inside or outside staterooms.

Some single-supplement-friendly lines?  Carnival, Holland America, and Silversea all offer decent single supplement rates, and in some cases waive them entirely for select sailings.  Historically, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean have consistently charged 200% of the per-person fare, though this is beginning to change.  I sailed aboard Grandeur of the Seas in 2009 for only 10% more than the per-person fare – making the quick five-day voyage more than affordable.

Socialize – Pre-Cruise
In this digital age, why wait until you’re onboard to meet new friends?  The internet offers several great resources to “meet” additional cruisers on your sailing long before you first step aboard.

One of the best sites for this is MeetOnCruise. You can create a profile, find your sailing, and see who else will be traveleing with you.  If your sailing is a long way off, be patient as new cruisers add themselves in advance of your departure date.  Sometimes groups organize get-togethers while onboard, while other times it can just be nice to share information about your ports, shore excursions, and ship.

CruiseCritic‘s Roll Call forums also provide an excellent way to meet people on your sailing before you even leave the house.

Have Fun
The bottom line: everyone is on a cruise to have a good time.  Regardless of which line or ship you’re sailing on, this one fact holds true. Embrace it.  Get out, mingle, interact, and do everything you would if you were traveling with another person.

Enjoy yourself, and you’re certain to enjoy your cruise – whether you’re sailing by yourself or not.

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Posted in Cruise 101, cruise travel, cruises, How to, meetoncruise, Social Media, travel | No Comments »

Grand Princess Refit Alters Profile; Adds Amenities

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Aaron Saunders, a regular contributor to the MeetOnCruise blog.  This article originally ran on Aaron’s blog, From the Deck Chair, on Feb 14th, 2011 and has been republished here with his permission. Given the competition from all of the new ships, cruise lines continuously invest in improving their older ships. The Grand Princess is a good example and Aaron runs through the changes cruisers can expect.

When Princess Cruises launched Grand Princess in 1998, it made headlines not only for its size, but also its distinctive styling.  But in a refit later this spring, she stands to loose her most distinctive external feature – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

A 3D rendering of Grand Princess, sans Skywalkers nightclub. Photo-rendering courtesy of Princess Cruises.

During a drydock from April 11 to May 4 in the Bahamas, Grand Princess will loose her distinctive, elevated “spoiler” above her stern.  Home to Skywalkers Night Club, this area was the first of its kind to be built on any cruise ship, and was serviced by a very cool moving walkway that elevated passengers from Deck 15 to Deck 18, with stunning views of the ocean and ship below.

Skywalker's, as seen from Deck 15 aboard sister-ship Golden Princess. Photo © Aaron Saunders

Skywalkers interior at night aboard Golden Princess. Photo © Aaron Saunders

But when Grand Princess was built, there was no existing real-world prototype to compare to.  As a result, the ship was top and stern heavy owing to heavier construction materials being used.  This increases the overall structural stress on the hull, and reduced the ship’s fuel economy.

In its place on Deck 15 will be a new nightclub, One5, named for the deck it resides on.

Because sister ships Golden Princess and Star Princess were constructed later, their “spoilers” were made of lighter materials and aren’t subject to the same stresses as the heavier one aboard Grand Princess.  Thus, the line has no current plans to remove Skywalkers from them.

Besides the structural considerations, many cruisers disliked how the massive structure blocked out the sunlight to the pool and terraced decks below.  When we sailed aboard sister-ship Golden Princess in 2008, we also noticed Skywalkers itself was rarely utilized, despite the stunning views.  Conversely, the area was far more populated in its lower-deck incarnation aboard our Crown Princess voyages.

Grand Princess's atrium will also see substantial refurbishment. Photo-illustration courtesy of Princess Cruises.

Grand Princess is also getting a makeover on the inside.  Her atrium – always the most different from later designs – will be transformed into the line’s signature Piazza, first popularized on 2006′s Crown Princess. The popular International Cafe, serving up light snacks and drinks, will be located here, as will Vines, Princess’s dedicated wine and sushi bar.  More than 30 different wines will be available by the glass or bottle, and tapas are now offered here as well.

A new Tea Lounge and Library concept, called Leaves, will also be installed on Grand Princess.  In partnership with the Mighty Leaf Tea Company, over five hundred (yes, five hundred!) different blends of tea will be offered, along with the assistance of a trained tea sommelier to aid guests in their selection.  Mix in some books, and you’ve got one area that could prove to be incredibly popular.

The line’s signature Crown Grill specialty restaurant will also make an appearance here, serving up delicious steak, seafood and lobster.  The casino will be remodeled, along with enhancements to the Horizon Court Lido Buffet, Lotus Spa, and general public areas.  Crooner’s Martini Bar, a popular addition on other Princess ships, will also be added during the refit.

While she may be loosing her most distinctive external feature, these exciting changes and refurbishments ensure Grand Princess will continue to offer passengers a stellar cruise experience for years to come.

For more information on both Grand Princess, be sure to visit the Princess Cruises website.

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Posted in cruise industry, cruise travel, cruises, Ship review, travel | No Comments »

Four Cruise Destinations You May Not Have Considered

Friday, February 4th, 2011

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Aaron Saunders, a regular contributor to the MeetOnCruise blog.  This article originally ran on Aaron’s blog, From the Deck Chair, on Feb 4th, 2011 and has been republished here with his permission. As Aaron points out there are several decisions to make when booking a cruise – which ship, when to go, and of course – where to go. So many decisions..its not easy! Here are four, off the beaten path, destinations you should consider for your next cruise. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Let’s face it: choosing a cruise can be hard work. You have to decide which line to take, which ship to sail on, and finally, where in the world you’d like to sail to. Of course, for any true cruiser the planning stage is just as much fun as the sailing itself.

Sometimes, however, it can be tough to answer the question: where should we go?

Not to fear: we’re here to help, after all. Here’s four often-overlooked cruise destinations that we think everyone should know about – and sail to.

1. Iceland

The northern Icelandic town of Akureyri is shown here on an early morning in August, 2009. Photo © Aaron Saunders

The best thing about Iceland is that it really is just as deep and mysterious as its name implies.  But it’s also a very popular cruise destination on many Northern European voyages and transatlantic cruises throughout the summer months.  Where else in the world can you see volcanic landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, and geysers that rocket skyward?

Our Favorite Port: Akureyri.  Located just south of the Arctic Circle, Akureyri is a sleepy little town with a few surprises, like an ice-free harbour year-round, thanks to the geothermal heat that warms the ground and every house in this picturesque port of call.

2. Norway

Norway's magnificent Geirangerfjord. Photo © Aaron Saunders

Even if you haven’t personally been here, Norway is a bit like the New York City of Northern Europe: chances are you’ve seen its beautiful waterfalls, lush green hills and quaint villages in so many pictures and movies that you’ll feel as though you already know it like the back of your hand.

But nothing compares to standing in the midst of the beautiful Geirangerfjord in person, gazing up at the Seven Sisters waterfall as it towers over your ship.  It’s breathtaking, inspiring, and populated by some of the nicest people you’re likely to meet anywhere.  Sail here once – you won’t be disappointed.

Our Favorite Port: It’s a tough call, but the northern town of Alesund won us over with their heart-wrenching fireboat sendoff, complete with Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” piped over loudspeakers hidden near the pier.  Easily the most impressive sailaway ever.

3. Southern Caribbean

Grenada's Seven Sisters Waterfall. Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

It’s tough to go wrong with a Caribbean cruise, but the Southern Caribbean boasts more unique islands than you can shake a stick at.  If you’re put off by the commercialism of Cozumel and St. Thomas, consider a cruise that goes further south to places like Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Aruba.  These islands tend to be more picturesque (certainly more so than the Western Caribbean, which is mainly flat) and less overrun with tourists and trinkety souvenirs.

Our Favorite Port: without a doubt, St. George’s, Grenada.  See the town, but be sure to get out and explore the countryside.  You’ll be glad you did.

4. Canada & New England

Peggy's Cove, located just outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Photo © Aaron Saunders

It’s amazing how many people pass over this itinerary because they think “it will be cold!”  That was far from the case last summer, when we endured record-breaking heat in Manhattan, Bar Harbor, Portland, Halifax and St. John, New Brunswick.  Go in mid-to-late October if you want to see the best of the fall colors; go during the late summer if you want to miss the worst of Hurricane season, which typically slams the upper Atlantic coast in September.

Our Favorite Port: Again, a tough call, as there are many varieties of this itinerary on offer.  But our reigning favorite is still Halifax, Nova Scotia.  With history oozing out of every street, a beautiful downtown district, and nearby Peggy’s Cove, it’s hard to not enjoy your time here.

Of course, there are many, many destinations that are off the beaten path and deserving of your cruising time.  It’s just a matter of finding them.

Pleasant Sailing!

Editor’s Note: Speaking of destinations, cruise over to our recently launched Port Guides put together to help you figure out what to do, eat, see and more.  Enjoy!

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Posted in Caribbean, Cruise 101, cruise travel, cruises, Europe, How to, travel | 2 Comments »

The Port Guides are Here!

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011


Searching the Internet for information on a particular port or island can be as productive as having a stack of travel books dropped on you – sure you’ll find the information eventually, but it doesn’t mean the experience won’t be painful. It’s with this experience in mind that we at MeetOnCruise created our Cruise Guide pages:  FAQs, Cruise Line and Ship Guides and now our NEW Port Guides. Our goal is to gather the information that would take you hours to find and put it on one easy to read page, for each port. We’ve also incorporated many maps, pictures and videos for you to be able to get a taste for what this port has to offer and what you will need, to get the most from your visit.

What currency is used on Grand Turk? What is there to do in Colon, Panama? What food must you try while in San Juan? These are examples of question you may have when planning your cruise.

Should I plan on using a taxi when I get to port in Curacao? How can I get to a place to make an affordable call home, while in St. Maarten? Should I bring my golf clubs when I visit Coco Cay? Sometimes you just should not wait to get to the port to have some of these questions answered. Knowing what is available to you will allow you to maximize your experience; and knowing how to get there will help you avoid wasting time and money.

We’ve released the first 14 Caribbean port guides and will be adding new ones every week as they are completed. You can find information on how the thrill seeker can be satisfied on Labadee and how the beach bum can best enjoy his day on Aruba. You can find all the best places to shop in Antigua and what makes a great souvenir for under $25 in Cozumel.

The Port Guides, as with everything else on MeetOnCruise, live within the MeetOnCruise community. These pages are not static – they change as the information changes. As our cruise community grows, the experience shared on these ports will also help shape these guides, providing the best and most up to date information. Please check them out here and let us know what you think!  And feel free to click on the “Like” and “Tweet” buttons on the top right of any of the Guides:)

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Posted in Caribbean, cruise travel, cruises, How to, meetoncruise, New feature, travel | No Comments »

Guest Post: Sail the Arctic, Become a Navigator with Quark Expeditions

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Editor’s note: The variety of cruises out there continues to increase.  Rock climbing walls and belly flop contests not your thing?  How about an expedition-style cruise through the Artic? Aaron Saunders, a regular contributor to the MeetOnCruise blog, writes about this out of the ordinary voyage offered by Quark Expeditions.  Also, you can earn a navigation certificate! This article originally ran on Aaron’s blog, From the Deck Chair, on Jan 28th, 2011 and has been republished here with his permission. Would you take a polar expedition cruise? Let us know in the comments.

Kapitan Khlebnikov cruising the Arctic. Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary this summer, Quark Expeditionshas a voyage aboard the venerable Kapitan Khlebnikov that fits the bill.  Aside from sailing the fabled Northwest Passage in the Arctic, passengers are also able to learn how to properly navigate a vessel, eventually earning their navigation certificate upon completion of the voyage.

Quark has partnered with the Starpath School of Navigation to offer guests aboard the 23-day Arctic Passage voyage departing August 22, 2011 from Kagerlussuaq, Greenland.  Tracing the route discovered by famed polar explorer Roald Amundsen in 1903, Kapitan Khlebnikov sails through some of the most deeply mysterious and relatively unexplored regions in the world.

The full itinerary, starting with flights departing from Ottawa, Canada:

  • Day 1 Ottawa, Canada
  • Day 2 Embarkation Day: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
  • Day 3 Sisimiut, Greenland
  • Day 4  Ilulissat Isfjord, Greenland
  • Day 5  Baffin Bay
  • Day 6  Pond Inlet, Baffin Island, Nunavut
  • Day 7-8  Devon and Beechey Islands
  • Day 9  Prince Regent Inlet, Nunavut
  • Day 10  Bellot Strait, Nunavut
  • Day 11  Victoria Strait, Nunavut
  • Day 12  Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), Nunavut
  • Day 13  Johansen Bay, Nunavut
  • Day 14  Ulukhaktok (Holman), Northwest Territories
  • Day 15  Walker Bay, Northwest Territories
  • Day 16  Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories
  • Day 17  Qikiqtaruk (Herschel Island) Yukon
  • Day 18-19  At sea
  • Day 20-22  Chukotka Peninsula, Russia
  • Day 23/22  Anadyr, Russia
  • Day 23  Anchorage, Alaska, USA

The bridge aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov, where navigation takes place. Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions

In addition to the Northwest Passage transit, guests are able to participate in a program designed to teach them the ins and outs of proper marine navigation.

The course begins at home with an online component before embarkation begins.  Once aboard, participating guests will have lectures, private tutoring, and hands-on navigation opportunities.  Post-expedition training will also be available, and guests will have access to the full Starpath online course library.

For full details on this exciting voyage, including pricing and accommodations, be sure to visit the dedicated page on Quark’s website.

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Posted in cruise industry, cruise travel, travel | No Comments »

Guest Post: Cruising 101 – Tips for the Perfect Cruise

Friday, January 21st, 2011
Editor’s note: With over 300 ships and 20+ cruise lines, choosing the right cruise is clearly not easy. Aaron Saunders, a regular contributor to the MeetOnCruise blog, tackles this issue and provides some fantastic tips for anyone looking to pick the perfect cruise. This article originally ran on Aaron’s blog on Jan 12th, 2011 and has been republished here with his permission. For more information and tips, don’t forget to check out the profile pages of each cruise line and ship. Enjoy.

Proper planning beforehand ensures you'll be able
to enjoy your cruise once onboard.
Photo © Aaron Saunders

Personally, I enjoy the planning stage of a cruise as much as the actual voyage itself.  I pour over deck plans, itineraries, brochures and guide books, eager to learn as much about the line, ship, and destination I’m considering as possible.

But not everyone is as ravenous for knowledge.  For many, they know where they want to go, and when they want to go there.  After all, a cruise is a vacation, right?  It is indeed – but there’s still some important information you should check first before booking your next cruise.

Every ship is unique and different, and tailored toward providing a certain type of experience. Pictured here is Holland America
Photo © Aaron Saunders

The Ship Matters
For those who say a ship is just a ship: no it’s not!  Each ship has its own distinct personality.  Some writers and seafarers have even gone so far as to say a ship has a soul – a theory this blogger firmly believes. I’ve heard people complain they wanted Cunard when they’re on NCL and vice-versa.  Once you’re onboard, its far too late to do anything about it.

Even sister-ships can have different decor, features and amenities. Pictured here is the attractive Observation Lounge aboard Silversea's Silver Shadow
Photo © Aaron Saunders

So spend time checking out the cruise line’s website.  Many have virtual tours of their fleet, letting you get a glimpse inside the ship before you’ve physically stepped aboard.  Even within a single line, many ships may have different interior designs, colors, and amenities.  Don’t assume that because you’ve sailed on the Zuiderdam that you know what Nieuw Amsterdam will be like.

An inside stateroom aboard NCL's Norwegian Star.
Located on the newly-refurbished Deck 12, it features different decor from similar categories on lower decks.
Photo © Aaron Saunders

Know Thy Stateroom
This sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how often stateroom selection can create problems.  Take deck plans: they can be a color-coded mass of confusion to the first-time cruiser.  Knowing how to properly read a deckplan can help you choose the perfect stateroom, every time.

Choosing what type of stateroom is relatively easy: do you want an interior, oceanview, balcony stateroom, or a suite?  Beyond that, however, things can get complicated.  For example, there may be five different categories of oceanview staterooms; which one is best?

A computer rendering of a suite aboard Oceania's new Marina.
Photo-illustration courtesy of Oceania Cruises

A comfortable standard oceanview stateroom
aboard Holland America's Rotterdam.
Photo © Aaron Saunders

Usually, multiple categories offer a slightly more desirable location within the ship.  A balcony stateroom on an upper deck may command a higher category – and price – because of its location rather than its features.  If location isn’t as important to you, this can be a great way to save some money and still get what you want.

A section of the deck plan for Baja Deck 11 aboard
Princess Cruises' Crown Princess. Note the symbols next to the stateroom numbers; in this case, the red dot means the stateroom can accommodate up to four people; the black triangle means it can accommodate three.
Illustration courtesy of Princess Cruises

Also check the description of any symbols on the stateroom you’ve selected; some rooms may offer an additional pull-out bed (sometimes called a pullman or berth), while other symbols can denote rooms with specific features, such as a tub or shower.

A section of deckplan from Silversea's Silver Spirit.
Note how the elevator and stairwell banks line up perfectly between Deck 5 and Deck 6, allowing prospective passengers to accurately see what is above and below them.
Illustration courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Finally, don’t assume the deckplans line up properly; chances are the graphic design guru who laid them out in the brochure has never been on a cruise before.  To properly determine what is above and below you, first find an elevator bank or staircase on the deckplan.  Then look at the next deck.  If the stairwells line up, the plans are properly laid out.  If they don’t, that lounge you think isn’t below your chosen cabin might actually be.

Be Port Savvy
Properly researching your ports of call can save you plenty of time and unwanted stress.  This can be extremely important in Europe, where the port your ship docks at may not be the key attraction.  A good example:
Day 2 – Athens (Piraeus), Greece – 9am to 5pm

The key attraction here is Athens, Greece.  But Athens is inland, which typically poses a problem for cruise ships.  Ships instead dock in the town of Piraeus, roughly an hour outside of Athens.  While Piraeus is mighty nice, you won’t find the Acropolis or the Plaka district here, limiting the options of those who want to just get off the ship and wander. The further away the main attractions are, the more you’ll want to take a shore excursion  in order to experience them.

The historic port of Southampton, England - pictured here is sometimes listed as the gateway to London.
Photo © Aaron Saunders

It’s also important to pay attention to these “dual ports” if one happens to be your embarkation or disembarkation port.  Another good example is London, England.  While a few vessels are small enough to dock right in the heart of London, the vast majority will tie up in Southampton or Dover.

But most importantly… Have Fun!

Stay tuned to From the Deck Chair, as we run more helpful planning articles during the month of January.

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Posted in cruise travel, cruises, How to, travel | 2 Comments »

Tune in tomorrow at 3:30pm ET – Cruises and Social Media

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

We’re excited to be talking to @Aireslibre on her great travel radio show tomorrow afternoon.  We’ll be talking about social media and cruising.  There will also be an opportunity for folks to call in and join the conversation.  If you are a fan of travel, cruising or social media, you should absolutely tune in! Better yet, call in with your questions and insights.

Here are the details:

When:  January 19th, 2011 at 3:30pm

Where:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aireslibretravel/2011/01/19/who-are-your-cruise-buddies

Call-in Number:  (760) 542-4315

Raquel puts on an informative and fun show.  You can hear some of her past episodes such as Traveling with kids and 2011 Travel Trends.  You can listen right now, here.

We look forward to the conversation tomorrow.

Eddy and Faraz

Update: Listen to the broadcast right here:

Listen to internet radio with AiresLibre Travel on Blog Talk Radio

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Posted in cruise industry, cruise travel, meetoncruise, Social Media, travel | 4 Comments »

Guest Post: Alaska Cruises Demystified

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Editor’s note:  Continuing our series of profiling guest posts from travel professionals who know the ins & outs of cruise travel, I’m excited to introduce you to Aaron Saunders.  Aaron is a passionate cruiser, photographer and blogger who writes the excellent blog, From the Deck Chair.  This article originally ran on Aaron’s blog on Jan 6th, 2011 and has been republished here with his permission.  This is a great read as Aaron busts 5 common myths about Alaska cruises.  Hint:  the weather during Alaska’s cruising shoulder season may not be what you think!

Petroglyph Beach, located near the town of Wrangell, Alaska. Photo © Aaron Saunders

I had an interesting conversation with a friend the other day.  We were chatting about cruises, and he said he had no desire to visit Alaska because it was “too cold.”

I’ve heard the same statement from a number of people over the years; they all want to cruise someplace hot, like the Caribbean or Mexico.  And why not?  There’s nothing like a getaway to a sunny paradise filled with warm sand and clear beaches.

Maybe it’s because I cut my teeth on Alaskan cruising, or the fact that I have a desire to visit places like Antarctica that are far, far colder, but I’ve quite enjoyed my three voyages to the region.

A 'blue berg' floats in the water near the entrance to Tracy Arm Fjord, south of Juneau. Photo © Aaron Saunders

While Alaska may lack the warmth of the Caribbean, it makes up for it in terms of raw, natural beauty.  There’s glaciers, fjords, mountains, hills, and wildlife – though admittedly I have yet to see the close-up vistas of bears, eagles and whales that the brochures would lead you to believe.

So what should you know about cruising “North to Alaska”?  Here’s our hit-list of common misconceptions.

1.  It’s Cold and Wet!

Aboard the Zuiderdam in Tracy Arm...in the rain. Photo © Aaron Saunders

Maybe!  On two of my voyages, we had soaring temperatures and plenty of sunshine for most of the trip.  Out of the three, only one was a total washout.  You’re almost certain to get a healthy dose of “liquid sunshine” in Ketchikan, where it rains more often than not – the town gets an average of 3,900 mm of ran each year.  But who cares if it rains the entire time?  For most of the cruise, you’re nice and dry inside your floating palace, and personally, I find inclement weather only makes the ship feel cozier.

Tracy Arm in the sun...in May. Photo © Aaron Saunders

If you’re thinking the summer months of June, July and August guarantee sunny weather, think again.  The best weather I ever had in Alaska was in early May on one of the first cruises of the season.  Our voyage in mid-July was a bigger washout than the one we took near the end of September.  What’s more, our July voyage was premium-priced.  So if you can, save yourself the money and book the shoulder season.

2. I’ll See Lots of Wildlife!

Outlook Hazy.  I’ve seen more whales and dolphins off the coast of Puerto Vallarta than I ever have during Inside Passage cruising.  The cruise director usually makes an announcement similar to “there’s a bear on the starboard side!”, causing half the passengers on the pool deck to crush up against the railings.  If you’re like me, you’ll probably get there far too late to see much of anything.

3.  The Pools Will be Cold!

The pool aboard Norwegian Sun...in the Alaskan sun...in May. Photo © Aaron Saunders

Au contraire. In fact, during scenic cruising of any kind, you may have the opposite experience.  Just watch how fast the hot tubs fill up when you’re cruising Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.  A dip in the pool, even in the rain, can be extremely refreshing.

4. Vancouver Departures Aren’t Worth the Extra Cost

Sailing under Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge aboard Holland America's Rotterdam. Photo © Aaron Saunders

Historically, Alaskan cruises started from one port: Vancouver, British Columbia.  But in the late 1990′s, Norwegian Cruise Line rattled the industry by announcing they intended to begin operations from Seattle, Washington.  At the time, no cruise ships were docking in Seattle on a regular basis.

A mere eleven years later, Vancouver has lost numerous vessels to Seattle, owing to the relatively low cost of airfare into Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEATAC) compared with Vancouver International (YVR).  Combine that with a recession, and cruises from Seattle start to look very attractive indeed.

But don’t discount Hollywood North just yet: Vancouver still offers a remarkable number of departures on almost all the major lines, and two distinct features are in store for those looking for the “classic” Alaskan Cruise.

The first is apparent after you depart from the iconic Canada Place cruise terminal.  In order to reach open water, ships must first clear the Lion’s Gate Bridge.  Nothing begins a voyage like passing under this impressive structure; I’ve sailed under over a dozen times, and that initial excitement that comes with passing under the bridge has never faded.

Sailing the Inside Passage. Photo © Aaron Saunders

The second important feature of Vancouver-based cruising is the Inside Passage.   Ships departing from Seattle are forced to sail the Pacific Ocean on both sea days, but Vancouver-based cruises feature two days of Inside Passage cruising.

They are breathtaking.  Whether in the sun or rain, the close proximity to land ensures that passengers are glued to the open decks for most of the day.  The scenery is seemingly endless, and if there’s any place you’re likely to see wildlife, it is here.

Don’t get me wrong; we love sailing from Seattle.  But there’s something very special about a Vancouver departure.

5. My Itinerary Doesn’t Have to Stop at Glacier Bay

Simply Beautiful: Glacier Bay, Alaska. Photo © Aaron Saunders

Yes, it does.  Trust us.

Curious about Alaskan cruises?  Stay tuned to From the Deck Chair as we explore this exciting destination further in coming weeks!

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Popular, Premium, Luxury and Boutique Cruise Lines

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

Hotels have a star system which helps us figure out what type of experience to expect.  If someone tells you that they are going to a five star resort, you know that they will be receiving certain amenities and they will be paying a premium for those amenities.

Do Cruise Lines have such a system?  No.  Classifying a cruise line is probably not as clear as the cruise industry would like.  For example: what does Royal Caribbean classify as? How about Disney? If you’ve been on some of these ships, part of the experience is definitely high end or luxurious, while other parts are more mainstream.  And of course, all the marketing terms used by cruise lines (“affordable luxury”, “deluxe”, etc.) only add to the confusion – what does any of that really mean?

Well, we at MeetOnCruise, never short on suggestions, would like to propose four general categories: 1) Popular Cruise Lines, 2) Premium Cruise Lines, 3) Luxury Cruise Lines and 4) Boutique and River Cruise Lines.

But first, a few caveats.  This is meant to be a general guide, there will always be exceptions.  And you can certainly find other good ways to break down this topic.  See this good article from Paul Motter here and this one from @CruiseSource here.  Also, the rates are ‘typical’ rates published by the cruise lines.  With some research and shopping around, you can certainly do better than the rates we cited.

Popular Cruise Lines include Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Oasis of the Seas ship

Oasis of the Seas ship

These three lines make up the bulk of the ships out there.  They feature large ‘resort-style’ ships that are themselves destinations with lots of amenities and entertainment. For example, want to surf on your cruise?  Sure, see the flow rider on several Royal Caribbean ships.  How about going to an Ice Bar?  Yep, you can do that on Norwegian’s Epic ship.  Popular Cruise Lines are a great value,  family friendly and visit all the major ports in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.  Prices are generally $100-$150 per person per day, but bargains abound for deal hunters.

Premium Cruise Lines include Cruse Lines such as Celebrity, Azamara, Disney, Cunard, Holland America and Princess.

Caribbean Princess Lotus Spa

Caribbean Princess Lotus Spa

No doubt, this is the most difficult category to describe and where I expect some debate. While the experience is not unlike that of the Popular Cruise Lines, essentially Premium Cruise Lines are more focused on passenger service (expect more staff per passenger), more upscale dining and amenities such as high end spas.  Also, some of the lines in this category, such as on Cunard and Holland America,  are quite traditional – think set dining times and formal wear.  Prices range from $150 – $400 per person per day.

Luxury Cruise Lines deliver an experience similar to staying at a five star resort (albeit, a floating one).  One key difference is the cruise fares on Luxury lines, such as Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea, typically include alcoholic beverages, shore excursions and gratuities.Luxury cruise All of which cost extra in Popular and Premium categories.  Also, luxury ships are typically smaller so don’t expect a zip line or rock climbing wall on the ship.  However, you can expect to sail to exotic destinations and be waited on hand and foot (the picture to the left says it all). Prices range from $400 – $1000 per person per day.

Boutique and River Cruise Lines can be considered the ‘miscellaneous’ category – thus there is a fair amount of variety here.

Avalon Waterways Ship

Avalon Waterways Ship

However, for the most part, travelers can expect an intimate small ship experience in an informal/casual atmosphere with upscale dining and service. River ships, such as those from Avalon, Viking and Uniworld, are designed for slow, leisurely cruises (sit low in the water ) and providing nice views.  Other, Boutique Cruise Lines such as Windstar and Star Clippers focus on a more authentic sailing experience (all ships have actual sails) in a laid back environment.  Prices range from $150 – $500 per person per day.

So, there you have it – the entire spectrum of Cruise vacations in 4 categories.  Of course, there will be exceptions to the above but this is a good way to think about what is available to cruise travelers. We like our categories so much, we’ve updated our Cruise Guide page to show each of the cruise lines and ships in their corresponding category.  Our hope is this is helpful and we’ve done our part for humanity to lessen the confusion.  Feel free to “Like” or “Tweet” this page :) .

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Free Cruise?

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Have you ever been surfing the Web, in search of nothing in particular, when your mind starts to drift?  You start having thoughts of being somewhere where the sun warms your face and the breeze wafts through your hair.  You drift further in your mind’s eye as you picture yourself laying on a lounge chair by the pool, drinking a festive beverage with one of those little umbrellas.  It’s a lovely moment until your mind drifts back to reality.  Thoughts of the economy and your tightening budget drag you out of your own personal nirvana.  You sigh and think to yourself: “If they were only giving away cruises for free…” Ah, the “Free Cruise”. The Holy Grail of the mind vacationer.  Does the “Free Cruise” really exist?

Well, if you type the phrase “free cruise” into the Google machine, you get quite a few search results.  Plenty of sites offering free Carnival cruises, free Norwegian cruises, free Royal Caribbean cruises, etc.  Unfortunately, a whole lot of those results are links to shady, spammy sites offering you all kinds of wonderful cruises and all you have to do is… be a sucker.  One quick way to know that these are scams is the list of search results itself.  Notice that for every site offering a free cruise, there is atleast one telling you to avoid the “free cruise” scam.  This is one of the great things about the Internet, it polices itself.  If there are 10 scams out there, there are 200 articles warning you against those scams.  The trick is to recognize what looks too good to be true and then search for the articles warning you of the scam.

The other thing that should give you pause, before packing a bag with your favorite Hawaiian shirt and sandals in it, is common sense. Cruises are fantastic and often sail at or near capacity, so why would anyone give away something that doesn’t have trouble selling?  If you where able to stay awake during your economics or social science classes growing up, you’ve probably heard the saying: “There is no such thing as a free lunch” (poll: is quoting Milton Friedman sucking the fun out of a cruise blog… hmmm) and that’s just lunch.  Lunch can be delicious, but let’s face it, it’s no cruise.  Heck, in theory, wouldn’t they be serving free lunch on this free cruise?  So if there is no free lunch, I think it’s safe to say there is no free cruise.

So what is the moral of the story here?  The “Free Cruise” is not so much the Holy Grail, as it is the Nigerian Prince generously giving of his riches, the abominable snowman (or chupacabra, for my friends in the southwest) joining you for a stroll in the woods or the politician that keeps his/her promises… they just don’t exist.  I believe it was Sophocles that said it best: Beware of websites bearing gifts! (I may have paraphrased, but you get my drift.)

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Treasure Island: FREE ebook for your next cruise!

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Treasure Island by Robert Louis StevensonThe last month here at MeetOnCruise has been a lot of fun. We released a bunch of new features and were covered by the LA Times. But, the coolest treat has been seeing this community grow. Seeing folks comment on the blogs, ‘check in’ to an upcoming cruise and reach out to others on their cruise has been really exciting! That’s what we built the site for!

As a way to show our appreciation to this community, we have got the perfect book for your next vacation. The timeless classic, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson in form of an ebook. You can download and read Treasure Island on your laptop, Kindle, Nook, Android phone, Blackberry and a whole host of other devices. And the best part is, it’s free. That’s right, free. No gimmicks, no strings.

We’ve partnered with the nice folks at fifobooks.com, an e-book marketplace, to provide Treasure Island ebook for you. Download it here!

Grab a rum drink on your cruise and kick back with Long John Silver, Black Dog and the rest of the crew and enjoy this classic book!  And thanks for being part of this community.

Which other books do you like to read on vacation?  Let us know in the comments.

Happy reading,

Faraz and Eddy

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Posted in cruise travel, cruises, meetoncruise, New feature, Technology, travel | 1 Comment »

Is Your Vacation Dollar Safe?

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Many residents, industries and planned vacations (not to mention oil soaked wildlife that is lucky if it gets a dish soap bath) lie in the wake of the Gulf Oil Spill disaster. The way that the tourism industry has reacted to the spill runs the gambit: from closing their eyes, with a nothing to see here attitude, to getting out in front and showing webcam evidence that there is nothing to see here… yet. Some hotels in Florida have not only uploaded live feeds to show their beaches tar-ball free, but have even adjusted their cancellation policy to accommodate worried prospective guests.  Ability to adapt to circumstances is what separates surviving industries and businesses from those that experience death by emaciation. So what has the cruise industry done to show its flexibility to meet and alleviate its customer’s fears… remember above when I mentioned industries closing their eyes?

While my frustration festers with this oil spill and the cruise lines inaction, I decided to investigate accommodations of cancellation fees for cruises, like the ones made by the aforementioned hotels. What I found is that not only were there no accommodations being made, but cancellation policies, across the board, border on unfair. (I also discovered that finding information on cruise websites is not easy, but that is a discussion for a different blog post.)

If you were to book an inside cabin on a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Epic in mid September your cruise fare would be $679 and your deposit amount would be $250 (37% or total fare, in this case) per person. You might ask: “Why are you mentioning the deposit fee?” Well, because according to NCL’s Cancellation Policy: “Cancellation fees will begin immediately once money has been applied to the reservation.” This policy also states that if you cancel 75-30 days before your cruise, your cancellation fee is your deposit.  Ouch!

Now I don’t mean to pick on NCL because Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has the same policy and Carnival is only $50 less, but the point is the same: In a time when there is uncertainty and perceived inconveniences for cruise passengers, either effectively communicate that the ports of call and shipping lanes are unaffected or relax the cancellation policy in a show of good faith.

The truth is, however, the cruise lines, such as the above mentioned, as well as, Princess, Disney, Costa… will not change their policy. Instead they will continue to advise their customers to purchase travel insurance to cover the costs of any cancellation that comes about because of unforeseen circumstances. While I echo this advice, I will add that it is important for anyone purchasing a cruise to know their cruise line of choice’s cancellation policy and know their travel insurance options before they purchase.

Cruising continues to be one of the best value propositions available as a vacation option. The variety of things to do, see, eat and drink on a cruise is relatively unmatched for your vacation dollar, but it is still your dollar. Protecting your investment with vacation insurance is a good step, but the best step you can take is getting informed.

Here at MeetOnCruise.com, we are trying to help by offering not just a forum with a long semi-comprehensible thread, but a community of travel experts, cruise enthusiast and future ship mates that you can interact with and hopefully answer questions you might have. We’ve recently added a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section to each cruise line (including the above mentioned, as well as, P&O, Holland America, MSC, Celebrity and more to come) in the Cruise Guide section of the website. This FAQ section will hopefully begin and add to the conversation in this community and help you, the cruiser become better informed. Let us know what you think about this new section and if there are some other questions you feel should be a part of the FAQs. Let us know and we will research the answer and consider for inclusion in this section.

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Choosing the Right Cruise Line

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a series of guest posts from travel professionals who know the ins & outs of cruise travel. Today’s guest author is Bryan Harris, a Certified Travel Associate and Disney Specialist. You can follow Bryan on Twitter at theCTA, email him on bryan@operationdestination.com and visit his site www.operationdestination.com.

Confusion

One thing you need to understand before choosing a cruise is that each cruise line is different. They differentiate themselves by trying to appeal to a certain target market. So it is imperative that you choose a cruise with a Cruise Line that fits your own likes and dislikes.

In my series, “Cruise 101,” I discuss the steps that a person takes to make sure the right cruise itinerary, the right stateroom and the right cruise line is chosen so that you have the best vacation possible. In this post, I will summarize the things that make each of the top 5 cruise lines unique, including the demographics they appeal to. I listed the top 5 as: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.

Obama formal wear So let’s see how we might break each one of these down to show how they all offer a different cruise experience. Let’s start with Holland America or HAL as I will refer to them. HAL is known as a “traditional” cruise line. They emphasize service that most would consider to be more formal. HAL would appeal more to the cruise passenger who is an experienced cruiser and who most likely is above the age of 50. They focus a lot on those cruisers who want to not only take a vacation, but also desire enrichment programs while visiting their ports of call. Their ships also give off the formal vibe in their stately design and subdued colors schemes. So…if you want a vibrant, party-like atmosphere during your cruise vacation, HAL is probably not the cruise line for you.

PartyBut on that party-like note, if you are someone looking to mingle and enjoy some libations and cut loose a bit while on vacation, you might consider Carnival Cruise Lines. They market themselves in just that way by referring to themselves as “the fun ships.” Between the nightlife offered onboard, their fun and enthusiastic staff, and their vibrant and Vegas-like decor throughout each of their ships, there is no doubting that they appeal to the younger or “young at heart” cruiser. So if you are looking for some simple relaxation in a calm yet refined setting, Carnival is probably not going to be your 1st choice.

So those are the 2 opposite ends of the cruise line spectrum. Now between Carnival and HAL, you will find Royal Caribbean, NCL and Princess.

Royal Caribbean and NCL will have a lot of cross-over when it comes to their passengers. Their ships use a lot of contemporary colors within their more modern design and decor and appeal to more of a broad base of customers. Royal Caribbean tries to appeal to the adventure traveler through their ads and the activities onboard such as rock wall climbing, ice skating and even surfing on a wave simulator called “Flowrider.” NCL tries to appeal to the more casual vacationer with their “freestyle” approach to cruising which again would not appeal to those who want more formality and who still like traditional cruising. “Freestyle” was developed to give passengers more freedom to do what they want, when they want onboard such as dining whenever you please versus having a set dining time. Princess has also seen a need to appeal to more of the casual cruise passenger and they too have introduced the “anytime dining” option to their cruise itineraries.

While Princess still appeals to the experienced cruiser more so than the first timers, their decor and style is what I would call “business casual”.  They use a lot of muted colors and rich woods throughout their ship, but they also offer dazzling night clubs and pool-side activities for the young and the young at heart.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL will all appeal to families more than HAL and Princess. They have a variety of shorter itineraries and well organized youth programs.

HAL and Princess both do not really try that hard to appeal to families with young children. Case in point, the cruise director on my last cruise with Princess announced that there were less than 100 children on the ship and that announcement received a great deal of applause. That is not a negative against Princess or HAL, but it is something that a person needs to consider when choosing a cruise line.

So you see, each one of these cruise lines offers something a little different and those differences need to be taken into account before you book your cruise vacation. Choose the right cruise line for your needs and you’ll be sure to have an amazing and memorable cruise vacation!

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Is Bigger Really… Worse?

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

If you read many cruise related blogs these days, such as, USA Today Cruise Log or the AOL cruise blog, you will soon see that people commenting on these blogs have thrown an old adage on its ear. Apparently, much to the chagrin of those who love old adages, “Bigger is not better.” There is some major hating going on for ships like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Lines’ soon to be released Norwegian Epic. Mind you, the “hating”, as the kids say, is against two of three ships that have yet to even make their inaugural voyage.

The Norwegian Epic is set to set sail out of the Port of Miami next month. It will arrive to the port, I’m assuming, with all of the same pomp and circumstance as Oasis of the Seas did several months ago at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale.  However, before it even reaches port, many cruise fans already don’t like it and state over and over again that they would never go on this giant vessel. So what gives? Why are these cruise fans so dead set against these big ships? They claim that the bigger ships are impersonal, unlike the medium sized ships, such as the soon to be transferred Celebrity Mercury which holds 1,898 passengers. One commenter wrote: “…the crew knows your name on the smaller ships.” Really?! All 1,898 of you?! I’m not sure how much this guy is tipping, but I’m sure if it is enough for the crew to remember his name on a medium sized ship, it is enough for them to remember his name on a big ship. Or maybe he’s just walking around with a name tag; they’ll let you do that on the big ships too.

I feel like I’m constantly battling perception vs. reality on this blog, but someone has to do it. Whether these people are making the big ships out to be terrorist targets, cattle troughs or just impersonal, there is a consistent theme: “Bigger is worse.” Now I’m not saying bigger is better necessarily, but maybe bigger is just bigger. Maybe these bigger ships have a charm all their own, not better than the smaller ships, just different.  Maybe the “haters” should go on the bigger ships to have some reference.  Or maybe they should just have to insert a disclaimer whenever commenting on the big ship vs. small/medium ship argument:  “well, I’ve never actually been on one of these big ships, but…”.  I on the other hand have a bad habit of basing my opinion on facts and/or experience.

What do you think? All comments are welcome and you don’t even have to use the disclaimer.

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Posted in cruise travel, cruises, travel | 8 Comments »

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